What to Expect

What Should I Expect If My Child Is Undergoing Craniosynostosis Reconstruction Surgery with Computer-Guided Surgical Planning?

Except for the fact that the surgery will take less time and have improved results, the computer-guided surgical planning should not affect the child’s or family’s experience. If they wish, families are welcome to view computer files of the surgical plans.

What Should I Expect If My Child Is Undergoing Craniosynostosis Reconstruction Surgery?

Before the surgery, families will meet with their care team at a preoperative appointment, which will include a pediatric neurosurgeon and a pediatric craniofacial surgeon. The family will also meet with an anesthesiologist, and they will need to have blood ready for a transfusion. After surgery, the child will be in the intensive care unit for approximately one night, and he or she will stay in the hospital for approximately three nights. The total length of hospitalization ranges from three to five nights.

After surgery, there is often some swelling of the face, and occasionally the eyes will temporarily swell closed. Usually, the worst of the swelling will have resolved by the time the patient leaves the hospital. Families will still be able to breastfeed or bottle-feed formula or breast milk to the patient.